Tracking the latest in potato farming, processing, trade, innovation and more – your quick snapshot of developments in the potato world, with headlines at a glance and links to the full stories.
‘Sandponic Technology’ Could Increase Access to Rwanda’s Staple Food- Potatoes
A innovative ‘sandponic technique’ for growing potato plantlets commercially is poised to reduce seed demand and enhance food security in Rwanda, where potatoes are a dietary staple. This method uses sand-based hydroponics to produce high-quality, disease-free plantlets efficiently, lowering costs for farmers and increasing yields. Commercial adoption could expand access in rural areas, supporting smallholder operations and national agriculture goals. Early trials show promise in scalability, with potential for export models. This development addresses supply chain bottlenecks in the African potato industry, promoting sustainable commercial farming practices.
Source: KT Press
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Global potato trade shifts with EU surplus and Asian growth
Global potato production hit 383 million tons in 2023, with Asia producing over half and yields rising despite static acreage. EU faces a surplus from high 2024 harvests, pressuring prices amid strong industrial demand for fries and chips. Asia’s expansion, led by China and India, boosts exports but challenges EU dominance. U.S. seed exports rose 61% in early 2025, aided by Cuban trials. Sustainability drives adoption of resilient varieties and efficient tech, while climate risks and trade barriers like U.S. tariffs loom.
Source: FreshPlaza
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Risk of bruising remains significant as Irish potato harvest progresses
The article highlights challenges in the 2025 potato harvest in Ireland, with a significant risk of tuber bruising due to a dry summer, affecting the commercial potato industry. Teagasc advises growers to adjust harvesting equipment and consider variety-related issues, consulting suppliers for guidance. Scab has impacted some crops under moisture stress, though irrigated crops are unaffected. About 20% of the maincrop is harvested, with few potatoes stored. Dry weather could accelerate completion, except in Donegal where rain may complicate conditions. No major blight occurred, aided by dry weather and robust spraying. Potato prices face downward pressure due to global supply and demand dynamics.
Source: Agriland
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New Zealand’s Proper Crisps Considers Closing Nelson Factory
New Zealand’s Proper Crisps, owned by Griffin’s Snacks, is proposing to shutter its Nelson Stoke factory by late 2027, relocating savory snack production—including potato crisps—to the Auckland Wiri plant for streamlined operations and long-term efficiency. This consolidation aims to enhance competitiveness in a cutthroat market but could displace dozens of local employees, exacerbating economic woes in the region. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith described the area as “punch drunk” from repeated setbacks, calling for support to mitigate job losses. The move reflects broader merger trends in the global potato processing industry amid rising costs and consolidation pressures.
Source: Potato Business
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Frozen food supplier Lamb Weston beats Q1 sales estimates, reaffirms outlook
Lamb Weston, a leading frozen potato supplier, reported Q1 FY 2026 sales of $1.66 billion, slightly up year-over-year and exceeding analyst expectations of $1.62 billion. Adjusted EPS was 74 cents, above forecasts, amid resilient demand for processed products. The company highlighted cost efficiencies and volume gains, despite challenges like higher input costs. It reaffirmed full-year guidance, with plans for $250 million in savings through restructuring. This signals stability in the commercial potato processing industry, supported by international growth and supply chain adjustments.
Source: MarketScreener India
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Supermarkets to be Reminded Irish Potatoes are ‘Available at All Times’
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA), led by potato committee chairperson Sean Ryan, plans meetings with major supermarkets in coming weeks to affirm year-round availability of high-quality Irish potatoes, starting with TESCO, to curb unnecessary imports. This year’s 21,000-acre crop is harvesting under favorable weather, yielding excellent eating quality from high dry matters, with prices rising due to supply-demand balance and school reopenings. While domestic seed supplies grow, Ryan urges Irish MEPs to expedite EU derogation for 2026 Scottish seed imports to meet full demand. The initiative bolsters growers’ resilience and sustainable local procurement in Ireland’s potato sector. (Word count: 99)
Source: Agriland
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Potato season in Latvia catastrophic – some farms may not survive
Latvia’s potato industry is in crisis due to relentless heavy rains, leaving fields waterlogged and crops rotting. Only about 10% of planted potatoes are harvestable, forcing reliance on imports and pushing many farms toward bankruptcy amid skyrocketing production costs without matching price hikes—Europe’s bumper yields keep retail prices stable. Slow-maturing tubers exacerbate storage issues, risking total losses. Recovery could take over a year, depending on farm investments. In response, Latvia’s government declared an agricultural emergency until November 4, 2025, while the EU granted €4.2 million in aid to cushion the blow for affected growers in this vital commercial sector.
Source: Baltic News Network
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Bumper potato harvest drives South African market oversupply
South Africa’s potato market is grappling with oversupply after a bumper harvest, driven by expanded plantings beyond the 51,500ha five-year average and favorable weather conditions, including ample rainfall and mild winters. Prices have plummeted to below production costs and half of 2024 levels, with Limpopo province, holding an 80% market share, leading the surplus. This oversupply, expected to persist into 2026, threatens producer viability due to high input costs, though it may broaden market access. The commercial potato sector faces potential consolidation as smaller farms struggle to remain profitable.
Source: Farmers Weekly
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Hail Hits Mallorca’s Sa Pobla: Potato Crops Heavily Damaged
A severe hailstorm struck Sa Pobla, devastating potato fields and causing significant damage to crops. Farmers reported potential harvest losses exceeding 60% in some areas, with plants broken and potato tubers exposed. Many farms, already struggling with pest infestations and market price drops, lack adequate insurance coverage for weather-related damages. Local farmers are calling for the area to be declared a disaster zone to access immediate financial aid. Community support, including neighborhood initiatives, has begun, but the full extent of the damage and future prospects depend on potential government assistance.
Source: Mallorca Magic
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India’s AWL Agri Business bets big on Ready-to-Eat foods
AWL Agri Business Limited is expanding into India’s ready-to-eat (RTE) food category, driven by strong demand and a recent GST cut on packaged foods, which enhances competitiveness for large FMCG brands and encourages smaller players to formalize. The company aims to boost its Food & FMCG segment revenue from Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 9,000–10,000 crore by March 2027, supported by favorable conditions like a healthy monsoon and festive demand. While the article mentions AWL’s focus on sustainability and farmer partnerships, specific details related to the commercial potato industry are not provided.
Source: FnBNews.com
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This roundup of breaking global potato news is curated and summarized by Lukie Pieterse, editor of Potato News Today, to keep readers up to date on the industry’s latest developments.
Image: Sandponic Technology in Rwanda. Credit KT Press